Ashley & Carlos
the special moment . “ Afterwards , Carlos told me he proposed the night before our anniversary instead of on the actual day so I couldn ’ t say he waited ten years to do it !” Ashley laughs .
The Venue : The Bahamas were originally meant to set the scene for their 2020 wedding , too . “ Then COVID happened and it made us reconsider . Months went by and nothing seemed to get better ,” Ashley says . “ So , for the health and safety of our family , we pulled the plug .” Wanting to bring their bohoinspired vision closer to home so the uncertainties could be more manageable , the couple ’ s minds were immediately drawn to the Cape for its akin beachy setting . “ The moment we saw Wychmere , we knew it was the one ,” Ashley recalls . “ The location , the view — it was just everything .”
The Special Guests : The couple ’ s sons , Charlie and Antonio , were also front and center during the day ’ s most important moments , from Charlie sweetly hanging with dad while mom made her aisle debut to both boys joining in on the first dance .
The Man of Honor : Ashley and her Man of Honor , Jimmy , have been best friends since they were seven years old . “ When we were in second grade , the teacher would have students stand in front of the class after morning prayer to sing a song of their choice , and Jimmy always volunteered with a pop song ,” Ashley recalls . So , it came as no surprise when he broke out some dance moves to an NSYNC medley during his reception speech . “ He had everyone laughing and cheering him on ,” she says .
The Hiccup : The couple initially planned to wed right on the sand , but the day ’ s rainy forecast had other plans . When asked what she wanted to do that morning , Ashley texted Carlos for his opinion . His response : “ Your call , I ’ m just excited to marry you !” In that moment , the bride realized the backdrop didn ’ t matter . “ We made the decision to have the ceremony inside , and once I saw the room set up with the florals and decor , I was blown away . It was breathtaking !”
The Meet Cute : These high school sweethearts first connected in business class during their junior year at East Boston High .
The Engagement : On the way to dinner at a Bahamas resort on the eve of their tenth anniversary , Carlos suggested a photo op in front of the property ’ s water fountain . Little did Ashley know , the ‘ random ’ photo-taker they chose had been pre-hired to capture
The Highlights : “ Seeing the emotions Carlos was feeling while holding our son as I walked down the aisle . A violin version of ' Say You Won ’ t Let Go ' by James Arthur was playing — the same song Carlos repeatedly sang while I was in labor with Charlie — and made the moment even more emotional .” — Ashley “ Our first dance . I knew how nervous she was , and it was a change of pace for us because usually I ’ m the one who ’ s nervous in that kind of situation . But once we started dancing , it was like it was just the two of us in the room .” — Carlos
114 | ENGAGED IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND 2022